Mold Services - Mold Inspections and Mold Testing

Mold Services - Mold Inspection and Testing

HABITEC provides mold inspections and testing in Nashville and Middle Tennessee. HABITEC Inspectors are professionally trained and certified Mold Assessment Technicians. We are certified by Environmental Solutions Associates as Certified Mold Assessors (CMA). As CMAs we can thoroughly test and evaluate your building for the presence of mold and offer guidance on how to mitigate any mold that may be found. HABITEC does not provide remediation or mitigation services as that would be a conflict of interest with our assessment service.

Protocol directed mold services include a mold survey/inspection and mold sampling taken and processed in a laboratory to complete a mold assessment. A mold survey/inspection of the structure is conducted to look for evidence of mold. If the survey indicates that mold is suspected but not confirmed, samples can be taken and processed in a laboratory to help determine if mold is present, what type mold it is and in what relative concentration it exists.

The mold survey is not a Home or Building Inspection, but a mold survey can be done in conjunction with a home or building inspection.

Scientific knowledge of mold increases daily. So far, it is known that many types of mold exists, that molds are known allergens, and that mold may be toxic. Symptoms of mold exposure may include respiratory problems such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, sore throat, and shortness of breath. Other symptoms can include blurred vision, headaches, memory loss, aches and fever. If exposed to toxic mold, the reaction can be fatal.

Unfortunately, indoor mold may be hidden from view. Mold surveys leading to sampling have found mold on the back side of drywall, wallpaper, carpet, and paneling, or the top side of ceiling tile.

There are 3 types of mold samples that can be performed; contact (swab or tape), indoor/outdoor air, and carpet. A thorough and complete sampling will usually involve all 3 types of samples.

There are no specific EPA limits for mold or mold spores, but EPA guidelines indicate that “if mold is a problem in your home or building, you should clean up the mold promptly”. Detection is the first step in this process. EPA guidelines go on to say:

- Do not touch mold or moldy items with bare hands.
- Do not get mold or mold spores in your eyes
- Do not breathe in mold or mold spores
- Do not tamper with mold growth. Tampering may release massive amounts of mold spores that could travel through the air to start other colonies or affect people.
- Unless you are educated and trained in mold assessment, it is suggested that you hire a professional [such as HABITEC].

- Do not simply rely on the senses of sight or smell to determine if you have mold.

Mold can have different colors, textures and odors. Laboratory analysis is the most accurate way to determine if mold is present.